Some inherited diseases also increase the risk of developing colon cancer. One of the most common is a type of polyp called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP).

What you eat may play a role in getting colon cancer. Colon cancer may be linked to a high-fat, low-fiber diet and to a high intake of red meat. Some studies have found that the risk does not drop if you switch to a high-fiber diet, so this link is not yet clear.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol are other risk factors for colorectal cancer.

Symptoms:

Many cases of colon cancer have no symptoms. If there are symptoms, the following may indicate colon cancer:

Stage 0 colon cancer may be treated by removing the cancer cells. This is done using colonoscopy. For stages I, II, and III cancer, more extensive surgery is needed to remove the part of the colon that is cancerous. This surgery is called colon resection.

Chemotherapy

Almost all patients with stage III colon cancer should receive chemotherapy after surgery for 6 to 8 months. This is called adjuvant chemotherapy.

Chemotherapy is also used to improve symptoms and prolong survival in patients with stage IV colon cancer.

You may receive just one type of medicine or a combination of medicines.

Radiation

Radiation therapy is sometimes used for colon cancer. It is usually used in combination with chemotherapy for patients with stage III rectal cancer.

For patients with stage IV disease that has spread to the liver, treatment directed at the liver can be used. This may include:

Burning the cancer (ablation)

Delivering chemotherapy or radiation directly into the liver

Freezing the cancer (cryotherapy)

Surgery

Support Groups:

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a colon cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.

Outlook (Prognosis):

In many cases, colon cancer is treatable when caught early.

How well you do depends on many things, especially the stage of the cancer. When treated at an early stage, many patients survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. This is called the 5-year survival rate.

If the colon cancer does not come back (recur) within 5 years, it is considered cured. Stages I, II, and III cancers are considered possibly curable. In most cases, stage IV cancer is not considered curable, although there are exceptions.

Colon cancer can almost always be caught by colonoscopy in its earliest and most curable stages. Almost all men and women age 50 and older should have a colon cancer screening. Patients at higher risk may need earlier screening.

Colon cancer screening can often find polyps before they become cancerous. Removing these polyps may prevent colon cancer.

Changing your diet and lifestyle is important. Medical research suggests that low-fat and high-fiber diets may reduce your risk of colon cancer.

Some studies have reported that NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib) may help reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. But these medicines can increase your risk of bleeding and heart problems. Your health care provider can tell you more about the risks and benefits of the medicines and other ways that help prevent colorectal cancer.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for
the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be
consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for
all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they
do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any
duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.